The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Lavender
The Power of Scent: Essential Oils

ORIGINS

A flowering plant in the mint family, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the quintessential aromatherapy plant. Its refreshing floral scent makes for a relaxing essential oil, and it also has many medicinal and household uses. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region.

HISTORY/LORE

The ancient Greeks used lavender in embalming practices. The ancient Greeks and Romans used lavender for healing as well as for cleansing purposes. In 1910, while working in the lab at his family’s cosmetics company, the French chemist and scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881—1950) burned his hand and then plunged it into the nearest tub of liquid, lavender essential oil. Later, he was astonished to see how quickly his burn healed, and with very little scarring.

USES

Healing Uses: The scent of lavender is extremely relaxing. It relieves headaches, tension, anxiety, and insomnia, making it a wonderful addition to bathwater or a pillow. Applied topically, this oil heals wounds, burns, eczema, acne, and other skin irritations. With massage, it soothes muscle aches and reduces swelling.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: This is the ultimate essential oil for peace and calm, allowing for relaxation and restful sleep. It lifts the spirit and brings emotional balance with its nurturing, reassuring quality. This makes it especially helpful to those dealing with depression. Lavender unblocks the third eye chakra, quieting the mind and facilitating higher states of awareness.